#Japan #Basketball #Ikebukuro #Kigiya #Ikebukuro Drops

Kigiya Ignites the Spirit of Ikebukuro

Kigiya, an established izakaya that has been serving the vibrant community of Ikebukuro for over 16 years, has embarked on an exciting new journey by signing a sponsorship agreement with Ikebukuro Drops, a three-on-three professional basketball team. Known for its commitment to delighting its customers and fostering a lively atmosphere in the region, Kigiya is now taking bold steps to deepen its connection with the community through sports.

A Passion for Community and Sports

The aim of this sponsorship is much more than mere branding. It’s about creating bonds between Kigiya’s staff, customers, partners, and the city itself via the universal language of sports. Ikebukuro Drops, the first professional sports team from Toshima Ward, was founded in 2023, and features a diverse roster of players, including B.League veterans and representatives from Japan’s Under-22 team. They stand out not merely by striving to win but by embodying a unique style, encapsulated in their mantra: “Cool is key.”

The parent company, BlueOcean, is also rooted in Ikebukuro and is known for its extensive creative ventures in web advertising, promotional strategies, YouTube content creation, and more, making it a fitting partner for Kigiya in enhancing the local experience of basketball intertwined with entertainment.

A Place for Genuine Human Connections

Kigiya believes that izakayas are not just places to eat and drink, but can serve as spaces for authentic human interactions where individuals can feel alive and be their true selves. With the rise of AI and online interactions, the essence of life lies in real moments of connection, laughter, and shared experiences. This philosophy aligns perfectly with the objectives of Ikebukuro Drops, reinforcing the concept of community building through sports.

Introducing the Ikebukuro Hormones

Kigiya is also excited to announce the establishment of a grassroots basketball team named the Ikebukuro Hormones. This team is designed to include all who are connected to Kigiya—from employees and regular customers to local partners—with basketball experience being secondary. The participants are motivated by a desire to engage physically, share moments of nostalgia with the sport, and foster a lively community spirit.

The first event, the Kigiya Basketball Tournament, is scheduled for August 16th at the Toshima Ward Zoshigaya Gymnasium. This signifies not only Kigiya’s commitment to sports but also its vision of bringing people together through friendly competition.

Words from Leadership

Uuji Kojima, the representative director of Kigiya, reflects on the journey that started 16 years ago with “Yakiton Kigiya.” He emphasizes the importance of community and shared experiences in nurturing relationships with customers, partners, employees, and the broader Ikebukuro area. Kigiya aims to create more dynamic experiences through drinking, eating, and sports, contributing to the vibrant life of Ikebukuro.

Masaki Shimizu, the owner of Ikebukuro Drops, expressed gratitude for the partnership, highlighting how both organizations endeavor to invigorate Ikebukuro from different fronts. He is optimistic about the collaboration and the prospects of mutual growth through delicious food and thrilling basketball.

Conclusion

As Kigiya and Ikebukuro Drops unite, they herald a new era of community engagement in Ikebukuro, emphasizing that amidst the fast-paced, digital era, the fundamental human connections remain invaluable. Expect more exciting events, laughter, and collaboration as Kigiya continues to champion the local spirit through its innovative approaches in dining and sports.